The UAE Journey for Organ Transplantation: Evolution and Clinical Outcomes of a National and Pediatric Program (2017–2026)

Background: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly expanded its organ donation and transplantation infrastructure following the launch of the national "Hayat" program in 2017. Concurrently, Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital (AJCH) initiated its pediatric kidney transplant program in October 2018 to address the growing need for specialized pediatric renal failure management. We describe the growth and clinical outcomes of the national deceased donor program and the outcomes of the pediatric kidney transplant service at AJCH.
Methods: A retrospective review of national registry data and institutional outcomes from Dubai Health/AJCH was conducted. National program growth was assessed using comparative data from 2024 to 2025. Our program clinical outcomes evaluated were patient survival and 1-year graft survival for pediatric kidney transplant recipients performed between 2018 and 2026.
Results:  National Program Growth: The UAE saw a 46% increase in deceased-donor kidney transplants from 50 in 2024 to 73 in 2025. Between 2017 and 2025, the national program successfully coordinated 468 deceased donors, facilitating 1,325 transplants from deceased donors.
Institutional Outcomes (AJCH): Between 2018 and 2026, AJCH performed a total of 76 pediatric kidney transplants. Of these, 19.7% (15/76) were from living-related donors and 80.3% (61/76) were from deceased donors. Age groups ( 0 – 18 years)
Survival Rates: The pediatric kidney transplant program achieved a 100% patient survival rate. The overall 1-year graft survival rate was 96.0% (54/76 grafts with at least 1 year follow up) and 3-year graft survival was 92%. Overall Dubai Health kidney transplant programs report a 1-year graft survival exceeding 95%.
Access & Philanthropy: Due to lack of universal health coverage and limited insurance options, the Al Jalila Foundation supported the programs by funding 69 transplants since 2021, with 52% of those funds allocated to pediatric patients.
Conclusion: The UAE's strategic national coordination has led to substantial year-over-year growth in deceased organ donation and transplantation. The specialized pediatric program at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital demonstrates exceptional clinical outcomes, achieving a 100% patient survival rate and excellent graft survival in the pediatric population.